Female nutrition, working facilities and even the weather can have a significant impact on the success of a synchronization program. While you can control some of those factors, others you cannot. One of the biggest factors in determining the success of a synchronization program, however, can be controlled entirely by you. That factor is compliance.
How can you ensure synchronization program compliance on your farm or ranch? Follow these three important steps.
Step 1 - Choose your synch protocol
Each year the Beef Reproduction Task Force reviews new research regarding female fertility and synchronization and publishes a list of recommended synchronization protocols. Here are the recommended protocols for 2022. In short, the Beef Reproduction Task Force does the research so you don’t have to.
When choosing a protocol for your ranch, also ask yourself the following questions:
- How many times am I willing to put the female through the chute?
- How much am I willing to spend on synchronization drugs?
- What are my expectations for results?
Choosing a protocol that aligns with your goals and expectations can help set the tone for compliance throughout the program.
Step 2 - Carefully follow the chosen protocol
Synchronization compliance means the right cow, gets the right shot (or CIDR insertion/removal, MGA, etc), on the right day or at the right hour.
Therefore, when planning your synchronization project be sure to avoid dates and times that do not work in your schedule. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, put your rain poncho or Carhartts® on and keep going with the protocol.
Following the chosen protocol also means utilizing proper dosage and handling of the synchronization drugs. If the GnRH needs to be refrigerated, make sure to store it under proper temperature conditions. Ensure the administered dosage is what is recommended by the drug manufacturer.
The GnRH and PGF2∝ injections should be given deep in the muscle for maximum efficacy. We recommend 1.5 inch, 18 gauge needles.
Calculate how much GnRH, PGF2∝, CIDRS and/or MGA is needed for the project and make sure to have enough on hand. I recommend having a few extra doses of everything on hand in case of emergencies.
Pro tip: Use the Estrus Synch Planner feature on the GENEX Beef App!
Step 3 - Educate everyone involved
The final step in synchronization compliance is to educate everyone who will be helping with the synchronization project. If all your employees understand why each step of the program is important and why timing is crucial to its success, then there will be more buy-in and employees will take ownership of the program.
Non-compliance to a synchronization protocol is one of the biggest reasons why synchronization fails. However, by taking the time to choose a protocol that aligns with your goals, properly following the protocol and educating all involved, you can attain a significant boost in conception rates.
